Kansas State’s Defensive Overhaul Aims to Fill Gaps Ahead of 2026
A look at the personnel changes, key contributors and lingering concerns for the Wildcats’ defense.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kamari Burns across Football.
A look at the personnel changes, key contributors and lingering concerns for the Wildcats’ defense.
A wave of transfers and a reshaped coaching staff bring 26 newcomers to Manhattan, promising depth and new dynamics for the Wildcats.
Kansas State’s defensive line receives a major overhaul for 2026, blending transfer talent like Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill with returning stalwarts such as Travis Bates and Kamari Burns, aiming to reverse last season’s run‑defense woes.

Kansas State head coach Collin Klein outlines his vision for a versatile roster, highlighting retention, cross‑training, and the impact of the new age‑based eligibility rule.
Coach Collin Klein revealed the projected starters for the Wildcats' opening game, highlighting positional battles and the emphasis on earning roles through daily effort.
The Wildcats’ 2026 campaign hinges on quarterback Avery Johnson’s resurgence, the emergence of tight end Linkon Cure, and a defensive overhaul led by transfers and newcomers, all orchestrated by first‑time head coach Collin Klein.
As the Wildcats enter preseason camp, coaches and players are locked in battles across the offensive line, quarterback, receiver corps and defense, setting the stage for the September 5 showdown with Nicholls.
With 50 days until kickoff, head coach Collin Klein makes his debut, Avery Johnson's potential looms large, and the Wildcats confront a schedule that could shape a Big 12 title run.

Kansas State's interior defensive line is being rebuilt through a wave of transfers and fresh talent, as the program adapts to new eligibility rules and looks toward a promising future.

Collin Klein, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and longtime Kansas State assistant, is now the head coach tasked with revitalizing the Wildcats after a 6‑6 season.
The upcoming 2026 season will see several former Wildcats return to face their old programs, adding a layer of intrigue to Kansas State's schedule.
With exactly 100 days remaining until the Wildcats face Nicholls, Kansas State’s coaching staff has released a ranked list of the 100 most influential players, highlighting returning starters, emerging talent, and special‑teams contributors.
Kansas State coaches spotlight key players — from Elijah Hill’s pass‑rush potential to Avery Johnson’s backup battle — as the team fine‑tunes its roster ahead of the fall.